Message in the Bottle on the Angeles Crest Highway

I took this laying down (as you can guess) in the center of the road at the West entrance of "The Tunnels" on the Angeles Crest Highway (State Highway 2) near Wrightwood, California.  The lighting effect in the distance is caused by a brief opening that exists between the two tunnel segments.  If your ever passing through this area, you should stop and walk in either side of the tunnel for an interesting treat of sound distortions.

Claustrophobia - Iphone 4, Hipstamatic

"U-Turn"- Iphone 4, Hipstamiatic

BNSF Burlington, Northern Santa Fe, and Metrolink Locomotives at the San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Locomotive 7312

at the San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot

These ghostly BNSF locomotives are sitting curbside at the San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot awaiting their turn on the busy tracks ahead. The track-side promenade outside the Depot (below) is often busy with commuters and sightseers. 

San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot Trackside, Iphone 4, Hipstamatic

A BNSF Postcard.

Sunrise at the Santa Fe Depot.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Air Rescue Squad 5

"Any Mission, Any Time, Any Where."
For over 50 years, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Air Rescue program has provided life saving services to the citizens of Los Angeles County, neighboring counties, as well as at large scale state and national incidents. Los Angeles County's Air Rescue program began in 1955 with the acquisition and usage Korean War era Bell 47 helicopters equipped with skid-mounted litters. In 1970, patients were able to be transported inside the aircraft instead of on the skids, when the first Hughes 500 helicopter was put into service. In 1972, the program's capabilities were expanded with the purchase of three hoist-equipped surplus CH-34 Sikorsky helicopters. The designator "Air Rescue 5," was added with the addition of these hoist capable helicopters. The Air Rescue 5 program entered the turbine era with the acquisition of two Sikorsky S. 58T helicopters in 1983. Seventeen years later, the S-58Ts were replaced with three Sikorsky SH-3 Sea Kings, which were refurbished and outfitted with enhanced Medevac suites and rescue hoists.

Awards and Recognition

The Air Rescue 5 program has received recognition from Sergei Sikorsky by the Professional Helicopter Pilots Association, for the Department’s Swift Water Rescue Program. They have also, received the Higgins-Langley Award for Swift Water Rescues and the Heroism Award presented by Rotor & Wing Magazine.

The men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Air Rescue 5 Program have remained committed to their leadership role and resourcefulness in the use of rotor crafts for public safety services. Air Rescue 5 remains instrumental in the evolution of air rescue and in the adaptation of air services in law enforcement. With more than five decades of life-saving rescues, successful searches, evacuations of lost persons, countless law enforcement missions, and an impeccable safety record, we salute the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Air Rescue 5 Program. Sheriff Lee Baca

The Air Rescue 5 program embodies Los Angeles County's commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens and demonstrates the use of rotorcraft in outstanding public safety services. Whether it be a technical rescue in the rugged San Gabriel Mountains, a swift water rescue in a raging flood control channel, or medical transport from Santa Catalina Island, the members of Air Rescue 5proudly stand behind their motto, "Any mission. Anytime. Anywhere."

One of three  new Eurocopter AS 332L1 Super Puma helicopters now used by Air Rescue 5.

The "Super Pumas" are employed primarily as rescue aircraft, but they are also equipped and well suited for Law Enforcement , Homeland Security support, maritime missions, and personnel transport during natural disasters. The Super Pumas are equipped with external hoists, nose-mounted forward-looking infrared cameras, night-vision compatible cockpits, and multi-patient medical interiors.  For safety, these helicopters will be equipped with Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System / Terrain Awareness and Warning System ( EGPWS / TAWS ). The cockpits of these Super Pumas are also be equipped with GPS, instrument flight rules (IFR) capability and weather radar.

"Air 5" on the Angeles Crest Highway near Dawson Saddle.